1998 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, both 1998 Ford Focus and 1998 Lotus Elise were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 424 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Lotus Elise (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (162 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Elise |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
